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- Tasks: Provide top-notch veterinary care to a diverse range of animals at Paignton Zoo.
- Company: Join Wild Planet Trust, a leading conservation charity with over 100 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days paid holiday, free zoo entry, and discounts in catering and retail.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health and welfare while working in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an MRCVS member with significant veterinary experience, especially with exotic species.
- Other info: Full-time role with a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
The predicted salary is between 37986 - 44343 £ per year.
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Wild Planet Trust – Paignton Zoo
South West Closing date for applications is: 23rd Jul 2025
Contact: Zoe Dixon (recruitment@wildplanettrust.org.uk) Sector: Animal Care Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £37,986.00 -£44,343 per annum
Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.
Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Over 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award-winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.
We’re offering an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Officer to join our team at Paignton Zoo.
You will deliver high-quality veterinary care to our diverse animal collection, supporting and advancing preventative health programmes, and contributing to the ongoing development of veterinary services at the zoo. Working across a wide range of taxa—from mammals to invertebrates—you’ll play a key role in promoting the highest standards of animal health and welfare.
This full-time role working 37.5 hours per week over a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £37,986.00 -£44,343 per annum depending on experience working with exotic species.
The ideal candidate will be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) and hold a veterinary degree recognised by the RCVS (or equivalent). Significant experience as a practising veterinary surgeon is essential, and prior work with zoo, wildlife, or exotic species is highly desirable.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must, alongside excellent organisational abilities and the capacity to manage a varied workload under tight deadlines. Proficiency in IT, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel, is also required. A full UK driving licence would be desirable.
- 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Branded uniform provided (as required)
- Relevant internal and external training provided including First Aid and Mental Health First Aid
- Free entry to our zoos for staff and family
- Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
- Free staff parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Apply For This Job
To apply please copy and paste this link and fill out the application form https://wildplanettrust.ciphr-irecruit.com/applicants.
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Veterinary Officer employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific animal species at Paignton Zoo. Understanding their unique health needs and conservation efforts will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the veterinary and conservation fields. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet people who may have insights or connections that could help you land this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest veterinary practices and advancements, especially those related to exotic species. This knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to common scenarios faced by veterinary officers. This will help you articulate your experience and problem-solving skills effectively during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially any work with exotic species or in a zoo environment. Emphasise your qualifications, such as being a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) and any specific veterinary skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for animal care and conservation. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality veterinary care and your commitment to animal health and welfare.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a veterinary context.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in veterinary practice.
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Make sure to express your genuine passion for animal care and welfare during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to veterinary medicine, especially with exotic species, as this will resonate well with the values of Wild Planet Trust.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders in previous positions. Consider sharing examples where your communication made a positive impact on animal care or team collaboration.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be ready to talk about your significant experience as a practising veterinary surgeon, particularly any work you've done with zoo, wildlife, or exotic species. Tailor your responses to showcase how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Veterinary Officer role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills under pressure. Think of examples from your past where you had to manage a varied workload or make quick decisions regarding animal health and welfare, and be prepared to discuss these in detail.
